Complete Analysis of Connection Methods Between UHPC Decorative Components and Main Structures: Safety Adaptation and Engineering Applications

The connection method between UHPC decorative components and the main structure directly determines a building's safety, stability, and decorative effect. Qinglong Group has been deeply engaged in the UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP industry for 28 years, and through thousands of project practices has developed 5 major mature connection systems covering different load-bearing scenarios and installation needs; related technologies have been incorporated into industry standard development.

1. Dry-Hanging Connection: The Mainstream Choice for Curtain Wall Decoration

Dry-hanging connection is a common method for UHPC exterior wall panels and curtain wall components, with core advantages of preserving component integrity, convenient installation, and easy replacement. Qinglong adopts a "four-point hanging + limit-position fixing" dry-hanging system, connecting components through embedded parts and stainless steel hangers (SUS304/SUS316) with a hanger load capacity of ≥5kN, effectively bearing component self-weight and wind loads. This system is divided into three types: short-slot, back-bolt, and through-slot. The short-slot type is suitable for small and medium-sized components (single piece weight ≤500kg), such as the UHPC exterior wall panels of the Yangshengtang Pharmaceutical Hangzhou Industrial Park; the back-bolt type offers greater load capacity and is suitable for large components (single piece weight ≥1 ton), as used for the 12㎡ UHPC large panels in the Shanghai New World project; the through-slot type is suitable for curved components, enabling flexible adjustment through continuous clamping slots, adopted for the hyperbolic components of the Guangxi New Media Center. Installation precision of dry-hanging connections is controlled at ±2mm, with joint widths of 5-8mm filled with weather-resistant sealant to ensure waterproof performance.

2. Embedded Connection: The Preferred Solution for Integrated Decoration

Embedded connection partially embeds UHPC components into the main structure (such as concrete beams, columns, and walls), achieving integration of structure and decoration, and is suitable for interior decorative components, landscape components, and more. Qinglong uses a "reserved groove + grouting fixation" process: grooves matching the components are reserved in the main structure, and after the components are embedded, high-strength grouting material (compressive strength ≥80MPa) is used to fill them, ensuring connection strength. This method offers strong integrity and excellent wind-load and seismic resistance, as seen in the UHPC interior decorative components at Huawei's headquarters in Bantian, Shenzhen, where embedded connections achieve a clean effect with no visible hangers. For irregular components, Qinglong uses BIM parametric design to reserve grooves, ensuring embedding precision ≤±3mm; the GRC/UHPC composite components of the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center adopt this technology.

3. Bolted Connection: A Reliable Choice for Heavy-Load Components

Bolted connection fixes UHPC components to the steel skeleton or embedded parts of the main structure using high-strength bolts (grade 8.8 or above), suitable for heavy-load components (such as large sculptures and load-bearing decorative panels) and vibrating environments. Qinglong adopts "double-bolt fixation + anti-loosening devices" with bolt spacing ≥100mm and reinforcing ribs around bolt holes to avoid local stress concentration. This method is detachable and easy to maintain, as with the 3-meter-tall UHPC sculpture at the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, connected to the steel skeleton via M24 high-strength bolts with a load capacity exceeding 15kN. In outdoor environments, bolts are treated with hot-dip galvanizing plus anti-corrosion coating, combined with waterproof washers to prevent rust and leakage; the UHPC roof components of the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center adopt this protective measure.

4. Welded and Bonded Connections: Supplementary Solutions for Special Scenarios

Welded connection is suitable for rigid connections between UHPC components and steel components. Qinglong uses arc welding to join component embedded parts with the main steel structure, with weld height ≥8mm, and non-destructive testing ensures welding quality; it is suitable for large load-bearing components such as bridge decorative UHPC components. Bonded connection uses specialized structural adhesive (shear strength ≥3.0MPa) to bond components to the main structure, suitable for lightweight components and interior decoration. In Qinglong's GRG/UHPC composite ceiling project at Chimelong in Zhuhai, a composite method of bonding + mechanical fixing ensures connection reliability. Note that welded connections require controlling the welding temperature (≤100℃) to avoid heat damage to UHPC; bonded connections require the bonding surfaces to be clean and dry, with ambient temperature ≥5℃.

5. Qinglong's Connection Technology Advantages and Engineering Practice

Qinglong Group holds 58 related patents, including the patented technology "A Dry-Hanging Connection Structure for UHPC Components," which uses elastic gaskets to absorb deformation and enhances the connection's seismic performance. As a participant in industry standard development, Qinglong incorporated the technical requirements for connection methods into the "Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) Exterior Wall Panels" standard. In the Shenzhen Pingshan High-tech Zone Comprehensive Service Center project, Qinglong adopted a composite method of dry-hanging + bolted connection, successfully installing 30,000㎡ of UHPC curtain wall components. Testing showed that the connection nodes' wind-load resistance reached 1.5kPa, meeting the seismic fortification intensity 8 requirement. Relying on full-chain service capabilities, Qinglong provides customers with integrated services from connection scheme design and node detailing to installation and construction, ensuring safe and reliable connections.

Choosing a connection method for UHPC decorative components requires comprehensive consideration of component type, load conditions, and installation environment. Qinglong Group has always upheld the mission of "creating aesthetic architecture," leveraging extensive engineering experience and technological innovation to provide tailored connection solutions for different projects, helping create safe, beautiful, and durable architectural works.